< Back to Press Releases

HANDBAG CONTENTS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH - ACCORDING TO PREFERENTIAL’S ANNUAL SURVEY OF WOMEN TRAVELLERS

06 | 09 | 07

According to an updated survey conducted by travel insurance provider Preferential, the contents of women’s handbags are at an all-time high, adding up to £350 on average – much more expensive than the average handbag which was £55. Last year’s (March 2006) survey of 150 women travellers, found that the average price of contents was £330 and the average handbag was priced at £50.

Preferential managing director Steve Nickerson said, “We had expected contents to decrease this year because of the current airport security restrictions, however it seems that every day items like make up and sunglasses, together with hi-tech goods such as MP3 players and mobile phones, mean that the ‘essentials’ held in women’s hand-bags are adding-up to more than ever before.”

Preferential polled 150 women aged 25 - 60 to find out the value of their holiday handbag and of its contents. 47 per cent of the women polled chose to take a handbag worth around £55 with them; 33 per cent chose a handbag that cost up to £200, 11 per cent selected a bag costing between £200 and £400, while 9 per cent opted for a bag costing over £400.

With regards to contents, 95 per cent always carry their wallet and mobile phone in their bag, followed by 80 per cent who also include their sunglasses, while 84 per cent who say that their passport, camera and make up are essential items. Other must-haves included keys, travel guides, MP3 player, perfume and spectacles.

Preferential managing director Steve Nickerson added, “The results of the survey are interesting, especially as the contents seem to be increasing in value. Our standard advice is simply, if it’s expensive, and you don’t need it, don’t carry it!

For award-winning travel insurance, from the specialists, go to: www.preferential.co.uk

For further press information please contact Sarah Lloyd-Morrison tel: 020 8547 4006
email: sarah@magneticpr.co.uk